Office Ladies – "The Paper" Ep 3: Buddy and the Dude

Hosts: Jenna Fischer & Angela Kinsey
Date: January 14, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jenna and Angela break down episode three of "The Paper," titled "Buddy and the Dude." They offer behind-the-scenes insights, share exclusive stories from guest stars, and draw fun connections to their time on The Office. The episode centers on Ned's quest to teach the staff the importance of fact-checking, Mare's undercover mattress investigation, and Esmeralda's ongoing attempts to sabotage Ned.

New Year's Resolutions and Single Tasking

[03:00–04:30]

• Angela shares a resolution to "get off the hamster wheel" by purging her closet and spending more focused time with family.
• Jenna has adopted "single tasking" over multitasking, explaining she's "happier, more present, and more efficient" when separating work from home tasks.
• Discussion on device boundaries with teens; Angela institutes a policy of stopping mid-conversation if someone looks at their phone.

Quotable:

"I've stopped doing that. I have work hours, and I have home hours...I'm happier, more present, and more efficient in those spaces."
— Jenna [04:06]

Listener Chit Chat: The Thermostat Wars

[06:05–09:36]

• Steve from Pittsburgh asks about preferred thermostat settings.
• Angela reveals she prefers 70°F at night, mostly due to hot flashes.
• Jenna likes it colder (64°F), always sleeps with the window open, and piles on blankets.
• Both compare this to the on-set "thermostat war" with Steve Carell on The Office.

Quotable:

"I tell the kids, guys, pile on the blankets. I sleep with the window open no matter where I am."
— Jenna [08:44]

Behind the Scenes: Guest Star Crossover

[13:37–16:11]

• Mary Hollis Imboden guest stars as Cindy, the mattress store employee. Angela met her on "The Real O’Neals."
• Mary originally auditioned for a series regular role on "The Paper" under deep secrecy, using decoy pages.
• Casting directors, appreciating her audition, brought her back for this guest part—no new audition needed. Mary praises the inclusive, family-like atmosphere on set.

Quotable:

"Shout out to good casting directors who keep track and remember all the people who might fit into the world of the show."
— Jenna, quoting Mary [16:05]

Episode Summary & Key Plot Points

[13:12–58:58]

Main Storylines

• Ned’s Fact vs. Fiction Workshop:
  Ned introduces "Two Truths and a Lie" to improve fact-checking among staff. Adam provides dubious stories—his main source: people themselves.
• Mare’s Mattress Store Investigation:
  Mare pitches an undercover investigation into mattress pricing scams—a plot based on real-life shenanigans encountered by show creator Greg Daniels.
• Esmeralda’s Sabotage:
  Esmeralda tries to undermine Ned by revealing Mare’s possible hotel job switch and stir up jealousy.

Fun Details & Easter Eggs

• On the Dry Erase Board:
  Story headings like "Mud Hens game" (Toledo Mud Hens explained—minor league baseball, mascot trivia).
• Kevin-Like Character:
  Adam's shorthand speech pattern—calling Ned "Ed"—reminds Angela of Kevin’s iconic style: "Why waste time say lot word when few word do trick?" [19:08]
• Documentary Style:
  Director Yana Gorskaya brings new camera techniques—spy shots and dynamic talking heads.

Notable Segment: Two Truths and a Lie with Creed Bratton

[24:12–32:13]

Creed contributes three audio stories—two are true, one is a lie:

1. Acquiring an ultra-rare guitar via a drug dealer.
2. Being saved from explosives on a set in Israel by Frank Sinatra.
3. Plane crash involving alligators, military guns, and a restricted base.

Angela guesses the correct lie (the guitar), Jenna suspects the plane crash. Creed’s gift for outlandish-but-plausible stories shines.

Quotable:

"Do you all realize now what it's like to hang out with Creed?"
— Jenna [31:12]

Esmeralda: The Queen of Shade

[33:02–34:08]

• Delivers classic lines, e.g., calling Mare "a pile of shirts."
• Costume note: Esmeralda wears a snake belt as a visual clue to her ‘saboteur’ role.

"Ah, I thought you were a pile of shirts."
— Esmeralda [33:15]

"Gas Station Sushi" & Bird Banter

[41:35–43:51]

• Angela and Jenna discuss the perils of gas station sushi, reading Reddit opinions for laughs.
• Discovery: Nicole’s desk is filled with bird tchotchkes—making her "the bird lady," much like Angela’s cat-lady persona on The Office.

Subtle Connections: The Office Props

[44:36–45:24]

• At Oscar's desk, viewers spot the Michael Scott homemade scarecrow and a photo of Oscar's real dog, Gus—direct from his Dunder Mifflin set days.

Undercover at the Mattress Store

[45:56–52:45]

• Ned & Mare humorously debate what kind of "couple" to pose as: siblings, married, or just a "couple with a mom who has bladder issues."
• They uncover the mattress scam by analyzing supplier info and get a full confession from Cindy, who says:

"Oh, I hate this stupid polo. They make you pay for yourself. I was too scared to be a geologist and now it’s too late...Let’s burn it all down!"
— Cindy [62:27]

• Mary Hollis Imboden describes her first experience on a documentary-style show and the warmth of the crew.

Would You Rather: Speak to Animals or Any Language?

[54:09–57:49]

• The staff plays "Would You Rather": Talk to animals or speak any human language.
• Angela and Jenna dissect it seriously, ultimately realizing the "animals" option could be overwhelming and opt for "speaking any language."
• Emotional twist: Jenna suggests speaking to pets before they pass would be a special gift.

Key Resolutions & Character Arcs

[59:00–End]

• Oscar uncovers a budget scam—Ken is living rent-free under a "storage unit."
• Nicole reveals her complicated past to Detrick, who kindly gives her an out to avoid workplace embarrassment.
• Mare decides to stay at the paper, declining the hotel job; her bond with Ned ("Buddy and the Dude") is solidified.
• Esmeralda is momentarily defeated in her sabotage efforts.
• Oscar hints at growing support for Ned and belief in real journalism.

Memorable Quotes

• "That’s delusional. Right? And a little nerve wracking because he holds my career in his hands. But then she wavers. She's like, but he did sell a crazy amount of toilet paper."
  — Mare [35:45]
• "She also has really long fingernails. Like, she's very expressive with her hands."
  — Angela, on Esmeralda [32:13]
• "Let's burn it all down."
  — Cindy (Mary Hollis Imboden) [62:41]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | |----------------------------------------|-----------------| | Resolutions & Multitasking | 03:00–04:30 | | Thermostat Chit Chat | 06:05–09:36 | | Guest Star Backstory | 13:37–16:11 | | "Two Truths and a Lie" – Creed | 24:12–32:13 | | Mattress Investigation | 45:56–52:45 | | Would You Rather (Languages/Animals) | 54:09–57:49 | | Esmeralda’s Shade & Sabotage | 33:02–34:08 | | Boardroom/Budget Meeting | 52:45–65:14 | | End-of-Episode Resolutions | 66:27–67:38 |

Final Thoughts

• Jenna and Angela highlight the clever writing, dynamic direction, and subtle character growth of "The Paper."
• The episode features interwoven humor, nostalgia, and new connections—plus another dose of that beloved Office meta-commentary.
• Both hosts encourage fans to submit more questions and observations via their website.

Closing Note:
"Marin and Ned finished their first article, and it’s a big win. I was very excited for them."
— Jenna [67:21]

Shout Outs

• Special thanks to Greg Daniels, Creed Bratton, Chelsea Fry, Patrick Kang, and Mary Hollis Imboden for exclusive stories and insights.
• Fans are encouraged to keep sending questions and comments for upcoming episodes.

End of Summary